Police engage chiefs on cemetery fracas

Kawale Police Station officer Aggrey Khonje has urged chiefs from Kaliyeka and Kawale 1 to end their dispute over Kaliyeka Cemetery.

This follows chaos that erupted on February 10 between Kaliyeka and Kawale 1 residents in which the former protested the burial of a woman at  the cemetery.

Speaking on Monday after meeting 23 traditional leaders from the townships, Khonje said the two sides should unite and allow each other space to bury their dead.

“We do not want the disputes to resurface. We need peace,” he said.

On his part, Central Region Conflict Resolution Management chairperson Alex Chapondera said Kaliyeka graveyard is for both sides and it is not an ancestral land for one particular group.

In his remarks, group village head John Mphambala pledged to work with all traditional leaders to end the dispute.

“From today, our side will not block and fight our neighbours over the burial place,” he said.